The VC beach volleyball team claimed a pair of wins Friday at the Harbor Cove Courts at the Ventura Marina, defeating Bakersfield 4-1 before edging Mt. San Antonio 3-2. The Nos. 1 and 5 pairs of Alexis Baloyo and Amelie Zubia, and Savannah Marchese and Tatum Teel, respectively, each had a pair of strong victories on the day for Ventura (6-0).
In the first match of the day, VC defeated the Renegades 4-1 in a match that was closer than the score indicated. While Baloyo and Zubia prevailed at the No. 1 slot 21-14, 21-16, and Marchese and Teel won their No. 5 match, 21-14, 21-17, the other three matches were very close. Tatiana Rodriguez and Darynne Bickers narrowly dropped their No. 2 match-up, 9-21, 21-11, 15-13 while Monica Montoya and Madelyn Grajeda edged their opponent at No. 3, 18-21, 21-12, 15-13. Meanwhile Amaris Garcia and Bethany Bird also came from behind to win in three sets, 18-21, 21-14, 15-8 for the 4-1 team victory.
The Pirates' second match of the day was even closer as they defeated Mt. SAC for the third time in as many weeks, 3-2. Once again, VC's No. 1 duo of Baloyo and Zubia were dominant in their 21-13, 21-9 win, as were the No. 5 team of Marchese and Teel, winning 21-14, 21-15. With Ventura ahead 2-0, the Mounties claimed the No. 3 match. 21-19, 21-17 before VC's No. 4 pair earned their win by default when a Mt. SAC player could not continue due to injury late in the third set. The Pirate team of Garcia and Bird won 18-21, 21-14, 12-3 (ret.) to clinch the match. At No. 2, Mt. SAC prevailed in another close contest, 9-21, 21-11, 15-11.
Ventura closes the regular season on Friday May 21 with matches against Moorpark and Bakersfield. The contests will be at the Harbor Cove Courts at the Ventura Marina and hosted by the Raiders.
Ventura 4, Bakersfield 1
1. Alexis Baloyo/Amelie Zubia (VC) def. Jessica Merante/Casside Salcedo (BC), 21-14, 21-16
2. Tatiana Rodriguez/Darynne Bickers (VC) lost to Anaid Naranjo/Yuliana Rivera (BC), 9-21, 21-11, 15-13
3. Monica Montoya/Madelyn Grajeda (VC) def. Francesca Hernandez/Emily Clark (BC), 18-21, 21-12, 15-13
4. Amaris Garcia/Bethany Bird (VC) def. Tia Jules/Meagan Williams (BC), 18-21, 21-14, 15-8
5. Savannah Marchese/Tatum Teel (VC) def. Grace Hoyt/Rennah Sullivan (BC), 21-14, 21-17
Ventura 3, Mt. San Antonio 2
1. Alexis Baloyo/Amelie Zubia (VC) def. Jay Jaramillo/Daniela Serna (MtSAC), 21-13, 21-9
2. Tatiana Rodriguez/Darynne Bickers (VC) lost to Natalie Caravantes/Alyssa Aleman (MtSAC), 21-19, 18-21, 15-11
3. Monica Montoya/Madelyn Grajeda (VC) lost to Elizabeth Thomas/Bristol Christelman (MtSAC), 21-19, 21-17
4. Amaris Garcia/Bethany Bird (VC) def. Alexandra Euston/Gaby Vatkin (MtSAC), 21-9, 15-21, 12-3 (retired)
5. Savannah Marchese/Tatum Teel (VC) def. Diana Pelcastre/Jordyn Sanchez (MtSAC), 21-14, 21-15